Car hire Norway

Car hire in Norway

Hiring a car in Norway

Norway is quickly becoming one of Europe’s up-and-coming destinations as people get drawn in by the country’s rugged landscape.

Most of the Scandinavian country actually lies within the Arctic Circle and this plays an important role in the development of the cragged cliffs and stunning fjords.

Oslo is the most famous city within Norway and its airport (OAL) links the European country to the rest of the world.

However, there are plenty attractions across the country and hiring a car definitely makes it easier to explore all that Norway has to offer.

What you need to know

Norway is a fairly relaxed nation and relatively compact, however getting around is a lot easier if you have a hire car.

Booking in advance is the best way to ensure a good deal on car hire and it also makes it easier to collect your keys and start enjoying your holiday straight away.

Cars can be picked up and dropped off at airports across the country, as well at locations within Norway’s cities.

As there are some many options, it is worth using our booking engine to find the most competitive prices from a number of leading suppliers.

Where to pick up your car

If you are arriving at the airport then it makes it sense to pick-up your vehicle from the airport. Norway’s airports all have offices of leading car rental suppliers, with many located in the terminal once you pass through customs.

It is possible to rent a variety of vehicles to match your needs - whether that be a compact or medium car, an MPV, a luxury model or one with automatic transmission.

Remember booking through Holiday Autos also means you get the reassurance of 24/7 support and free cancellations.

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“The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.” Diane T

Where to go

There is plenty more to Norway than skiing and snow. Of course, seeing the Northern Lights is pretty much on everyone’s bucket list and Norway gives the chance to see the spectacular natural phenomenon. However, there are plenty of other fab attractions that are a must see!

Oslo is usually the starting point for people coming into Norway, but there are a number of other cities and towns across the country that have something to offer anyone making the journey to Norway.

Seven hours drive away from the capital, is Bergen - Norway’s second city, which can be found alongside impressive fjords and islands. It remains a traditional fishing town and it is worth spending some time watching the day’s catch being delivered to the Bergen fish market. Composer Edvard Greig lived in Bergen and his home has been transformed into a museum to celebrate his life and work.

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway is relatively straightforward - just remember they drive on the right. The general speed limit is 80 km/h, apart from in built-up areas it can be as low as 30 km/h because of the higher risks.

If you're thinking of driving outside the major cities or towns, then it pays to be careful, especially in the winter months when the weather may not be that favourable.

Due to the limited daylight hours in the country, dipped headlights are compulsory at all times, even if the sun is shining.

Norway has strict drink driving rules with strong penalties for anyone who drives while intoxicated. The legal limit is 0.02 per cent blood alcohol and police can carry out random stops.

Longer drives

There are plenty of great routes in Norway for anyone who enjoys taking a drive. There are a total of 18 National Tourist Routes and all of them show off the very best of Norway’s beautiful landscape.

However, if you only have time to do one of the recommended routes, then it has to be the Atlantic Road.

The route connects the town of Averøy with the mainland using a series of eight bridges that cover more than 8,000 meters. It is free to drive on the road and the key stretch between Bud and Kristiansund is regarded as one of the world’s most stunning coastal roads. There are also plenty of official stopping places along the way - so remember to ensure you have your camera on hand.

Top attractions in Norway

Each city in Norway has plenty to offer and here are a just a few of the must see highlights in the top three cities in the Scandinavian country.

Oslo

As the capital and the largest city, Oslo has numerous attractions that are well worth further exploration.

One of the most interesting and enlightening museums in the capital is the Nobel Peace Centre. The centre celebrates the history of the famous prize and the story is retold in a variety of medias making full use of the latest technology. The Nobel Peace Centre also has its own car park so it is straightforward to visit.

The Ibsen Museum pays tribute to the playwright Henrik Ibsen, who lived in Oslo for over a decade. His apartment has now been restored to how it was during Ibsen’s life and a visitor centre focuses on his writing and his influence on the literary world.

Bergen

Bergen is a vibrant city that has a great atmosphere and an arty feel. The city’s population has a high number of students and this makes for a fresh, youthful vibe in the region.

If you're lucky enough to experience the Bergen International Festival, you can enjoy Nordic music, dance, arts and literature and is a great event. The festival has historically taken place at the same time as the International Jazz Festival - Nattjazz - a must for fans of the genre.

Stavanger

Stavanger is one of the oldest cities in Norway and this can be seen in the local buildings. However, the discovery of oil in the 1960s saw an increase of investment and it nows offers a great mix of old and new.

Highlights include the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral, the interesting Canning Museum and the Museum of Archaeology.